HollyShorts festival kicks off

James Caan gives filmmakers a boost

Peering over an oversized bottle of Moet on the dais, James Caan demanded to know who had assembled for Thursday’s opening of the HollyShorts FilmFest. “I like to know who I’m addressing,” he said. “Or undressing.”

The actor gave opening remarks to a packed DGA screening as David Arquette, who was there to unspool his film “The Butler’s in Love,” helped guests find empty seats. Caan, whose website Openfilm.com sent six shorts to the festival, amused the crowd with his enlightened self-interest in the filmmakers he and Openfilm supported.

“Selfishly, I’m looking for a good job,” he said. “The wheelchair’s waiting for me.”